Chelsea dismantled La Liga titleholders Barca 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, moving into the top eight of the Champions League standings – a position that guarantees direct qualification to the knockout rounds. ..Continue Reading
Barcelona, once considered among the top contenders last season, saw their hopes dashed after conceding two late goals in a dramatic semi-final loss to eventual runners-up Inter Milan.
Chelsea, on the other hand, were absent from Europe’s premier competition last season, instead lifting the less prestigious Conference League trophy.
Enzo Maresca’s team now look capable of not just competing but making a serious run in the Champions League, though Rooney believes another English side has a ‘good chance’ of going all the way.
Premier League leaders Arsenal have maintained a flawless record in Europe ahead of their upcoming showdown with German champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Despite a challenging group, victories over Athletic Bilbao, Olympiakos, Atletico Madrid, and Slavia Prague have positioned Arsenal for another deep Champions League campaign.
That unbeaten streak will face its toughest test yet as Bundesliga leaders Bayern – also perfect in the competition – arrive at the Emirates Stadium.
Ahead of that clash, Rooney threw his support behind Arsenal to win the Champions League, citing their depth and smart recruitment.
After tipping Arsenal to lift the trophy, Rooney told MailSport: ‘I think they have got as good a chance as they’ve had for a long time.
‘The whole squad they’ve put together, I think it’s got good players obviously starting [and] good players on the bench to come in if they get injuries as well.
‘I think the recruitment has been really good, and they’ve been really strong in the Premier League. If they can take that form into the Champions League, they have a good chance.’
John Obi Mikel, a Champions League winner with Chelsea, also believes Arsenal could finally claim their first European crown.
‘This season I think it’s Arsenal’s to lose,’ he said on The Obi One Podcast. ‘If Arsenal and Mikel Arteta don’t win the Premier League… the squad, the depth they have, is frightening.
‘They have the best squad not just in the Premier League, not just in England, in world football right now. I bet you there’s no better squad depth than Arsenal’s.
‘We’re talking about the Premier League but I think they can go on to win the Champions League, this is how good Arsenal are.
‘It’s scary, I’m telling you, the squad they have, the players they have, there’s something there, I can feel it now, finally Arsenal are ready.’
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